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NASCAR: Roush Fenway picks up Best Buy sponsorship for 2012

December 19, 2011

Best Buy sponsored the No. 43 car of Richard Petty Motorsports in the 2011 NASCAR season. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

Electronics seller Best Buy has shifted its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series sponsorship from Richard Petty Motorsports to Roush Fenway Racing. Best Buy will be primary sponsor in nine races for former series champion Matt Kenseth and two for 2011 championship runner-up Carl Edwards. In addition, Best Buy will be an associate sponsor for both drivers in all other races.

"We are extremely pleased to announce this partnership with Best Buy," Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush said in a statement. "Best Buy is an industry leader and a top brand globally. They do a great deal to market and support their teams, and we are pleased to be working with an organization that is as enthusiastic about racing as Best Buy. We feel it is a great fit with our organization and we look forward to a great partnership together."

The company sponsored A. J. Allmendinger in 24 races at Richard Petty Motorsports last year. But that was a one-season deal, and that one-year clause attracted Roush's attention when Crown Royal chose not to return for 2012 with Kenseth.

"Best Buy is thrilled to announce this new NASCAR sponsorship deal with Roush Fenway Racing," said Best Buy spokesman Drew Panayiotou. "Roush Fenway is a great fit [and] NASCAR continues to be a relevant way to connect with our customers. Our goal is to reach our audiences in a meaningful way, while maximizing the value of our marketing and sponsorship investments."

As usual, Richard Petty Motorsports took the high road regarding the move.

"We've had a successful and rewarding relationship with Best Buy for the past few years and appreciate all they have done for us," said team co-owner Richard Petty. "Although it's very disappointing that Best Buy is changing directions at this late date, we wish all our friends there the best in their future endeavors.

"Our plan has always been to run a two-car team [Allmendinger and Marcos Ambrose] in 2012 and we are continuing down that path. We have several partners that remain committed to the No. 43 team. We will move forward and explore all of our options in regard to its program in the coming weeks."